Haters. A word commonly used in music, pop culture and amongst people of all ages. We all got them. People who don't like us to succeed. People who may wish you wouldn't do better than them or feel a sense of envy if you're doing good. I remember it was my 4th grade teacher Ms.Brown who first taught me the concept : "misery loves company". Its true. People in general may not truly feel happy for those that are better off than them. Hence the reason for the 1% vs. 99% argument in politics and our economy in this country. But the other day when Emmanuel, my 6 year old came home to tell me he was picked "Most Trustworthy" in his class, what was that proud mom congratulatory speech turned into a lesson on "Haters".
He told me since "Trustworthiness" was the character trait for the month of October at his school, the class was to vote or nominate whom they felt displayed this trait the most. He told me it was close amongst him and two other peers but the majority was his and he won. And what he said next left me almost speechless. "Mom, after we voted the two boys started being mean to me". When I asked why, he told me they said they should have won, not him. And in that instant I knew here was the perfect teaching moment on envy. Not to make the kids villains in his eyes but to show my son, that as people we are full of all types of sin whether anger, envy, and rivalries. (see Galatians 5:19-21). No matter how nice people maybe these things do sometimes get the best of us.
His next question was "but mom if I am their friend, why can't they just be happy for me?"... Like a light bulb above my head, this was a perfect time to remind him that God is love and the commandment we are given is to love God and our neighbor. LOVE being patient, kind, not envious or self seeking...etc....
But the problem is not everyone knows God. Not everyone knows Love, and to live the way God has intended. Not everyone who professed to know God pursues the fruits of the spirit and instead maybe showing works of the flesh.
I know they're just kids and the lesson for him was simple. Jealousy will always exist. There is that part of people who will wish all the recognition and rewards would be theirs. But for him it was a reminder to keep working hard and know that doing good and being obedient loving and honest has its reward. And there will always be people who do not like it. That's why we live to please God. To pursue righteousness at all costs. He understood and in the end told me he would have been happy if anyone else got chosen because they're his classmates and he is called to love them. He didnt let anger get the best of him when his backpack was thrown and they did not want to play with him. Instead he reminded them there will be different character traits that they can work for to get picked.
Same principle applies to us as adults. Not everyone is going to like what you do. Yes we can become HATERS without the love of God. Jealousy and Bitterness will consume you if you let it. Instead focus on God's individual plan for your life. He knows what you need and the desires of your heart. He is in control of your life even when you can't see it. Don't repay haters with HATE, instead do as my son and encourage them on their walk. Remember to be love, and remember who we are living for!
There is truly freedom in knowing that GOD loves you. Individually, independently and that the only approval that matters is HIS! Do the right thing, be odedient to HIM, continue to love others and see the doors God opens for you. In the same way be happy for your co-workers, your friends, when they get that promotion, that house, that new car....etc.... BE the love they need.
Don't hate.... congratulate. And don't get so rapped up in the HATERATION.....
Don't let Jealousy rot you.
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